Top Water Activities Spots in California

8.8
location icon 1005 Objects
California Region | USA - Rated 8.8
Best Rating

View on Map

Discover Details:

1

Dockweiler Beach rating icon 9.9

Dockweiler Beach, 12000 Vista Del Mar, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293, USA copy icon
Show on Map
Price: - Phone: - Web:
-
Popularity in Country: 80 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 5 of 252
Popularity Worldwide: 325 of 29086
Surfing
Beaches
user avatar
Tyler October 20, 2024

Bring your own beach chairs and umbrellas if you can. Rental prices can add up quickly, and it’s more comfy when you have your own stuff. I regretted not bringing mine and ended up sitting on the sand

user avatar
Justin October 17, 2024

Pack a picnic! It's a great way to save money on food and enjoy the beach atmosphere. I found a nice spot and just relaxed while munching away instead of spending a lot at nearby cafes.

2

Seaworld San Diego rating icon 9.5

SeaWorld San Diego, 500, Sea World Drive, San Diego, San Diego County, California, 92109, United States copy icon
Show on Map
Popularity in Country: 167 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 8 of 162
Popularity Worldwide: 1114 of 29086
Water Parks
user avatar
Brandon March 24, 2025

Don’t forget to download the SeaWorld app. It has maps, show times, and even mobile ordering for food, which made things way smoother for me.

user avatar
Samuel January 29, 2025

After the animal encounters, head towards the back of the park to avoid crowds. The earlier rush can really clear out, making it easier to enjoy the rides and see less crowded exhibits.

user avatar
Ryan December 28, 2024

I recommend checking the schedule for animal shows as soon as you enter. Some of the most popular ones fill up fast, and it’s a bummer missing them!

user avatar
Richard December 11, 2024

Bring your own water bottles and snacks! They allow you to carry them in, and you’ll save money instead of buying overpriced food in the park.

3

Malibu Beach rating icon 9.2

Malibu Beach, Malibu, CA 90265, USA copy icon
Show on Map
Price: - Phone: - Web:
-
Popularity in Country: 278 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 16 of 252
Popularity Worldwide: 1860 of 29086
Surfing
Beaches
user avatar
Donald October 25, 2024

My advice is to bring your own snacks and drinks... The beach prices can be super high! I regretted not packing a cooler when I saw a bottle of water for $5

4

La Hoya Cove rating icon 7.1

La Jolla Cove, San Diego, CA 92037, USA copy icon
Show on Map
Price: - Phone: - Web:
-
Popularity in Country: 1196 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 402 of 1406
Popularity Worldwide: 8383 of 29086
Beaches
Diving
user avatar
Joshua March 17, 2025

Take a moment to just chill at the tide pools. They’re stunning and way less crowded. Great photo ops, plus you might spot some cool sea creatures!

user avatar
Betty February 15, 2025

Bring your own snacks. I found that food options near the cove are pricey and can be pretty crowded. Pack a picnic and eat with a view!

user avatar
Donald December 15, 2024

If you're into diving, check out the sea caves, but make sure you rent gear from a local shop beforehand to save some cash. Rental prices are pretty steep near the beach.

user avatar
Thomas October 18, 2024

Go early! I recommend hitting La Jolla Cove around 8 AM to avoid the crowds and snag the best parking spots. Trust me, it gets super busy by 10 AM.

5

Knott's Soak City rating icon 6.8

8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620, USA copy icon
Show on Map
Popularity in Country: 1297 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 54 of 162
Popularity Worldwide: 9061 of 29086
Water Parks
user avatar
Patrick April 2, 2025

I recommend checking the schedule for wave pool times, as they do organized waves that are more fun! You wouldn't want to miss it.

user avatar
Maria March 21, 2025

For savings, grab a meal deal at lunch instead of individual items. It can be a better value and will keep you fueled for the day without breaking the bank.

user avatar
Elijah February 3, 2025

Bring a waterproof phone case! You'll want to take pics on the attractions but also while relaxing; it’s great to have both memories and not risk damaging your phone.

user avatar
Tyler January 22, 2025

Get there by 10:30 AM if you can; the lines for the popular slides can get really long as the day progresses. Arriving early lets you hit them when the wait is minimal.

6

Aquatica San Diego rating icon 4.5

2052 Entertainment Cir, Chula Vista, CA 91911, USA copy icon
Show on Map
Popularity in Country: 2260 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 94 of 162
Popularity Worldwide: 16027 of 29086
Water Parks
user avatar
Daniel February 17, 2025

My advice is to bring your own snacks and drinks if you can. The food inside can add up quickly and the place allows outside food for those with dietary needs

7

Manhattan Beach rating icon 4.3

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, USA copy icon
Show on Map
Price: From $120 Phone: - Web:
-
Popularity in Country: 2329 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 130 of 252
Popularity Worldwide: 16464 of 29086
Surfing
Beaches
user avatar
Kevin March 28, 2025

If you're into surfing, rent a board at one of the local shops instead of the big rental places. I saved some cash and got a way nicer board with better service.

user avatar
Joshua January 30, 2025

For food, hit up the taco trucks on Sepulveda Blvd. They have some of the best grub and are way cheaper than the beachfront restaurants!

user avatar
Thomas November 18, 2024

Check out the Manhattan Beach Pier during the sunset. The views are stunning and it's less crowded around 6 PM. You’ll get some great photos!

8

Rincon Point rating icon 3.4

Rincon Point, 172 Rincon Point Rd, Carpinteria, CA 93013, USA copy icon
Show on Map
Price: - Phone: - Web:
-
Popularity in Country: 2681 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 155 of 252
Popularity Worldwide: 19229 of 29086
Surfing
Beaches
user avatar
Christopher March 19, 2025

Don’t forget to bring a towel and some sunscreen, especially if you're planning to stay all day. You'll regret it if you end up burnt and sandy!

user avatar
Thomas March 17, 2025

Bring a cooler with snacks and drinks. The beach can get busy and if you don’t want to pay for overpriced beach food, packing your own lunch will save you a ton of cash.

user avatar
Joseph March 14, 2025

If you're into surfing, make sure to check the swell forecast before you go. I found that going in the morning around 8 am helped me catch some good waves with fewer crowds. No one wants to fight for space!

9

The Plunge San Diego rating icon 3

The Plunge, Ocean Front Walk, Mission Beach, San Diego, San Diego County, California, 92017, United States copy icon
Show on Map
Popularity in Country: 2852 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 101 of 155
Popularity Worldwide: 20404 of 29086
Swimming
user avatar
Ryan March 11, 2025

Pro tip: don’t forget to bring flip-flops. The deck gets really hot and trust me your feet will thank you when you’re walking around.

user avatar
Lisa January 19, 2025

My advice is to bring your own snacks and water if you can. The food options were limited and a bit expensive, so packing a cooler saved me some cash

user avatar
Tyler January 16, 2025

I suggest arriving right when it opens at 9 AM. It gets super crowded later, and you’ll get a much better spot for sunbathing and swimming before the families arrive.